Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) provided an update on the injuries he received during an assault by his next-door neighbor. The latest scans show that Paul broke six ribs (one more than the originally reported five), and he also suffered a pleural effusion.
I appreciate all of the support from everyone. A medical update: final report indicates six broken ribs & new X-ray shows a pleural effusion
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) November 8, 2017
A pleural effusion is when fluid builds up around the lung.
The lawyer for Rene Boucher, Paul's assailant, said that his client was angry over a "trivial" matter--later reported to be landscaping issues. Boucher tackled Paul from behind while he was mowing his lawn.
It seems as though Paul has an issue with this claim and tweeted out a link to an article calling the "landscape dispute" fake news.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) November 8, 2017
In the piece, Paul's neighbors say that his lawn is quite well-maintained.
From Breitbart:
“As a friend and neighbor of the Paul family, I have been disturbed by the inaccuracies in numerous media accounts of the assault that occurred on Friday, November 3rd,” writes Travis Creed in an email to Breitbart News. “The stories of a ‘landscaping dispute’, or a dispute of any sort between Rand Paul and Rene Boucher are erroneous and unfounded. The reason for Mr. Boucher’s bizarre attack is known only to him. Statements to the contrary are irresponsible and unnecessary.”
This speculation regarding Boucher’s motive, Creed says “has led to an unfair characterization of the Pauls and their home.”
“The Pauls are and always have been great neighbors and friends. They take pride in their property and maintain it accordingly. Rand has enjoyed working on and maintaining his lawn for as long as I have known him. He was attacked on his property for no apparent reason and suffered serious injury. That is the only fact known at this time.”
Regardless of the motive behind the attack, six broken ribs is no joke. Get well soon, Sen. Paul.